As is the case for all
members of Co. A, 3rd Maine, your first year of membership is as a probationary member without voting privileges. This is to allow everyone
to become acquainted with you before you assume the privileges and responsibilities
that come with regular membership. This also gives you time to obtain
sufficient equipment to participate with the unit in the prerequisite
minimum of six events or meetings before a regular membership status is
awarded. At a regular meeting falling on or after the anniversary of your
application, the regular members of the unit will vote on whether to accept
you as a regular member. Your regular membership status will be maintained
so long as you pay your annual regular membership dues (individual or
family) on time.
Initially, all military
impressions are entry level and carry the rank of Recruit Private. All
male members of Co. A, 3rd Maine must be willing and able to portray their
initial and primary impression as a member of the Infantry or the Fife
& Drum. Any females who wish to portray a military impression must
take steps to disguise their femininity and appear male to a casual observer
at a distance of six meters. Alternative impressions are an option when
and where it does not detract from the unit's Infantry and Fife &
Drum impressions. This policy is necessary so as to preserve a modicum
of authenticity for the unit as a whole. The membership of Co. A. 3rd
Maine will strive to work with any potential member to facilitate full
participation with the unit regardless of gender, race, age, or ability.
It is the unit's policy to extend the unique pleasure of participating
in living history to all who would join us if it can possibly be done
without compromising the historical impression of others.
All potential military impressionists who join as Recruit Privates are expected to acquire, preferably within one year, the basic infantry kit, including clothing, a minimum set of gear and accouterments,
and, in the case of the Infantry, a musket and bayonet. You should expect
to spend between $1200 and $1500 to outfit yourself as a Civil War soldier.
New members of the Infantry will be assigned to the Training and
Reserve Squad until they have demonstrated the minimum level of knowledge
described in the Recruit Examination Book (REB). New members of the Fife
& Drum will be provided with care and training by the Drum Major and
the Fife Major.

Infantry Training

In the Infantry, your
education and training will be provided by the Training Corporal, other
NCOs, and other veteran members. The training NCO or First Sergeant
can provide you with your copy of the REB. The REB outlines four major
areas in which a new recruit must demonstrate knowledge and achievement
before basic training can be considered complete. This period of training
typically requires several months. You will be expected to possess a complete
uniform and to demonstrate the ability to wear, maintain, and correctly
describe the various parts. You will be expected to acquire knowledge
taught in the School of the Soldier, which includes the formation of the
company, platoon, and squad and the basic evolutions of these formations.
You will be expected to possess an infantry weapon and accouterments and
be able to demonstrate the evolutions while under arms and to demonstrate
the safe handling and competent maintenance of your weapon. You will also
be expected be familiar with the methods for the safe loading and firing
of your weapon while within the ranks. Finally, you will need to demonstrate
basic field craft, including the ability to pitch and maintain a shelter
tent, knowledge of the layout and parts of the camp, and fire safety.
Co. A, 3rd Maine usually provides a one to two day-long school of the
soldier each spring which provides training that will help you meet the
REB requirements. In addition, School of the Soldier and manual of arms
training is described in Hardee's and Casey's books on infantry tactics.
When you have demonstrated that
you have mastered your REB, the First Sergeant, another NCO, or a Company
officer will sign your book to certify that you have completed your basic
training. You will then be awarded with the infantry horn device to wear
on your cap and you will be transferred to one of the regular Infantry
squads. From this point on you will be expected to continue to learn and
improve your impression as a soldier. You can earn your red diamond Kearny
patch by engaging the enemy during a significant battle reenactment while
under the command of the officers of Co. A, 3rd Maine.